Page 101 of Witch Queens: Tales from Oz

When I had awoken thenext morning, tangled tightly in Gregory’s arms, I had thought that once again all was well between us.

But from the moment he had opened his eyes, Gregory had been distant, and I dare say—almost cold.

We broke camp in relative silence. Gregory readied the horses for us, and I gathered my now dry clothing, feeling stupid about my attempts of seduction. I was the only one to lose my clothes and apparently my head along with it.

Gregory helped me mount with the barest of touches, and something cracked inside of me.

I needed to be away from him, by myself, to try and pick up the pieces.

We were no longer a ‘we,’ and it was killing me.

I didn’t wait for him to mount before spurring my horse toward Emerald City.

“Lin!” he called out to me, “Glinda! Hold on a moment!”

I knew that he was fumbling to keep up with me, but I didn’t care.

Those blasted tears had begun to fall, and I wasn’t about to show Gregory how his coldness affected me.

The countryside passed in a blur of color. I wish that I could say that I enjoyed seeing so much of Oz, but the truth was, the color had seemed to leach out of my world.

He caught up to me several miles down the lane but was wise enough to leave me be.

I was no longer crying, but I couldn’t be sure that my eyes hadn’t betrayed me. So, I didn’t look at him, not for the entire ride.

We stopped several times to give the animals water and a chance to graze.

Gregory had attempted conversation, but with one look from me, the words died on his lips.

I wasn’t sure what was worse, the ache in my backside from such a long horse ride or the ache in my heart. But I had a feeling it was the latter.

At dusk, we approached an inn. I had a vague knowledge of the proprietor. His name was Steele. Hubert Tavern looked to be overcrowded, and I worried we might not get rooms.

We gave the horses to the stable master who looked surprised actually to have work to do. Most residents of Oz drove vehicles these days, but Gregory was very old-fashioned and hated them with a passion.

“Lord above, another witch Queen,” Steele mumbled when we walked in the door. It was not the greeting I was expecting.

“My sisters have been here recently?” I inquired politely.

He gave a gruff nod, “Indy and Scarecrow were here a few nights back. They broke a lot of shit. I hope that you don’t intend to do the same.”

I flushed, “Indeed?”

Turning to my companion, I said in my loftiest of tones, “Prince Gregory of the Sapphire City, I wish to make your acquaintance with Hubert Steele the III. Mr. Steele is the owner of this fine establishment.”

Steele straightened immediately, “Your Highness, it is a pleasure to have you here. How may I help you?”

I fought rolling my eyes at his formal address.

Gregory’s smile slipped unconsciously onto his face and my stomach clenched with the need to soak in every last second of it.

“We are traveling to Emerald City and need accommodations for the night. Might we rely on you, Mr. Steele?”

Puke.

Gag.

“I am sorry, Your Highness, but we are full up this weekend. I do have one room available, but I am afraid it has a very small bed. I would offer you my room, but it has already been occupied. I had planned on staying in the small room. But it is yours, should you wish it.”

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